Ferrari Makes History with First F1 Laps at New Madring Circuit

Ferrari has secured its place in Formula 1 history by becoming the first team to run a modern F1 car at the brand-new Madring circuit, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completing the venue's maiden laps during a promotional filming day in Madrid.

Why it matters:

The Scuderia's early access provides a valuable head start on one of Formula 1's newest challenges ahead of its 2026 debut. With Leclerc riding high after victory at the British Grand Prix and Hamilton adding a podium finish, the team arrives in Madrid carrying genuine momentum in its championship push.

The details:

• Leclerc piloted the SF-26 around the 20-corner layout first, with Hamilton joining later in the session to give Ferrari's 2026 driver pairing their initial taste of the circuit.
• The outing operated under standard filming day regulations, meaning limited mileage and the use of promotional Pirelli tires rather than full race compounds.
• Madring, which blends public roads with purpose-built racing sections, will host the Spanish Grand Prix on September 11-13 next season.
• Despite restricted running, Ferrari engineers gathered valuable early feedback on track characteristics as the team looks to sustain its recent competitive surge.

What's next:

With the Madring set to officially join the calendar in 2026, Thursday's running marked the moment the circuit truly entered F1 territory. Ferrari will hope that its early familiarity with Madrid's newest sporting landmark translates into an advantage when the Spanish Grand Prix gets underway next September.